The Dubber - August 2009

Smugness comes before a fall and a smug smile (similar to the one exhibited right) was quickly wiped off my face after I got back from holiday a couple of weeks ago. I had spent a rainy week in Cornwall trying to complete yet another leg of the SouthWest Coastal path (I've finally rounded Land's End... Hooray!) during which I wetted my finger and sanctimoniously rubbed out extraneous apostrophes from the blackboard menus of eating houses along the way; I returned to find that... aarrrrgh!... one had appeared in my own column last month. Where had it come from? ... I don't know. But, it was definitely punishment for being smug... as was the typo the month before. For some reason, subbing one's own words is much more difficult than subbing someone else's... I'm sure Judith could find a sermon in that somewhere... motes and beams come to mind!

NAMING OF THE PARTS

Thanks to everyone who responded to the call for suggestions for naming the new section. Among the proposals, a number of people submitted 'Hatched, Matched & Dispatched' (and various shortened forms of the same). 'Celebrations & Memories' was another good idea from David Johnson but the winner was Henry & Anna Staveley-Hill's suggestion of 'The Round' which has suitable layers of meaning for such an all-encompassing section. At the moment, I don't quite know what they have won... probably some Chococo chocolates.... but if they furnish me with their address, I will drop round bearing gift in due course.

Angela Bell

PS Thanks to Judy Robson and Owen Bryant for this month's cover design.

LETTER FROM THE RECTORY

August 2009

Dear Friends

First I must add my thanks to everyone who supported St George's Fête and the Worth Matravers Cream Teas on 15 July. Both raised splendid amounts of money, in spite of the weather, but more than that, many people have commented to me that they were friendly and happy occasions... We had a celebration tea party a week later, in St George's Church, not the Rectory garden, because to our surprise, it rained again.

Eating together will continue through August, undeterred by weather or swine flu, with Cream teas washed down by music on Sunday afternoons, and then, of course, there is Kingston Fête too. I'm hoping that increased dog walking will limit any impact cream teas will have on my waist line and I make no apology for all this eating. Giving hospitality and sharing food are vital for families and communities. Indeed, in our churches, we share a symbolic meal at the heart of our worship as a sign that we are all part of a community of faith. One of the best ways of getting to know someone is by sharing food with them.

For those of you who are worried about swine flu, and I guess many of us admit to some twinges of concern given uncertainty about what might happen and stories of past pandemics, we are paying even more attention than usual, to our catering arrangements (though these weren't actually mentioned in the instructions from the Bishop's office).

What the Bishop did stress was the need to watch out for and help each other... so if things do get more serious and you find yourself marooned indoors, in need of shopping or prescriptions, do phone the Rectory or one of the church contact numbers and we'll do our best to help you.

Actually, having just reread that last sentence, what I really mean is, swine flu or no swine flu, if you are stuck and we can help, do give us a ring.

But I am really hoping that all the preparations will not be needed, that the sun will come out and shine on us and that we will all have a holy, healthy and happy summer.

Judith Malins

Priest in charge

Kingston, Langton Matravers, & Worth Matravers

PS. Many thanks to Juliet and Diep who kindly left a present for Rose on the Rectory door.

GENERAL NEWS

ST GEORGE'S UNDER THREAT

Dorset County Council has decided 'in principle' to adopt a two tier (primary/secondary) system in Purbeck. They will consult further in September about how school provision will be delivered in Swanage, but comments in their report indicate that St George's site is not adequate for a primary school in a two tier system.

The view of the school and the Governors is that a good Primary school can, and should, be provided on that site, and that the school should remain in the village .

The view of the school and Governors is that the school can, and should remain in the village.

We feel that it is essential for members of the community to voice their support

for St George's school.

Please, can we ask that all those of you who support this view to help us?

We urge you to write to the Salisbury Diocese (St George's is a Voluntary Aided Church of England school) and Dorset County Council stating your support for the school. Some points you may want to include in your letter are listed below. A list of postal addresses can be obtained from Beverly Evans. If you would like the contacts below sent to you on an email so that you can copy and past them into your address book, also contact Beverly.

POINTS TO INCLUDE

St George's School:

o continues to be an oversubscribed, popular school

o is popular due to its unique village situation

o ensures a vibrant future for the communities of the Purbeck Hills

o helps to keep local facilities, groups and traditions thriving

o is supported by the villages and wider community who, in turn, nurture the school

o is close to the Church which is essential in developing our very strong church ethos

DORSET COUNTY COUNCIL

Mr Angus Campbell - Chairman

i.a.campbell@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Mrs Hilary Cox - Vice Chairman

h.a.cox@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Col Geoffrey Brierley g.j.brierley@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Mr Andrew Cattaway a.r.cattaway@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Mrs Toni Coombs t.b.coombs@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Mr David Crowhurst d.crowhurst@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Mr Spencer Flower s.g.flower@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Mr Alan Havelock a.j.havelock@dorsetcc.gov.uk

COUNTY COUNCILLORS FOR PURBECK

Mr Bill Trite (Swanage) w.trite@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Mr David Budd (Wareham) d.a.budd@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Mr Mike Lovell (Purbeck Hills)

m.w.lovell@dorsetcc.gov.uk

SALISBURY DIOCESE

Mr Chris Shepperd - Director of Education

chris.shepperd@salisbury.anglican.org

St George's School Action Group is next meeting at the Scout Hut, Langton on 3 August at 7.30pm

ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY

ARE INVITED

St George's Action Group

CREAM TEA AFTERNOON

St George's PTA is holding a Cream Tea Afternoon on the 18 September in the School Grounds.

Our Maypole Team and Choir will be providing the entertainment and there will be old photographs on display for a step back in time.

We are hoping to be joined by previous teachers, staff and pupils at what promises to be a happy and enjoyable afternoon! Also, we are compiling a 'comments and memories' book which will be on display on the day, and would love to receive any written memories you may have of your time at St George's School.

If you have any old photographs of the school, past pupils or staff that you would be happy to lend us please contact Nicky Glassock, also, if you have any memories that you would like included in our memories book please email them to brian.glassock@virgin.net or phone Nicky. Many thanks. St George's PTA

HAVE A GO

More Have-a-Go opportunities at Burngate over the Summer hols: These two hour sessions are proving extremely popular with all sorts of folk... locals and visitors alike of all ages. We've had some amazing bits of carving completed in such a short period of time, by complete beginners!

During August we have also got several one day courses for you to choose from as well as kids sessions and, as we head into Autumn, there will be plenty more short and longer courses. Already proving popular are the lettering courses delivered as always by Anna Bowen, so if you're interested in the two or four day course then don't leave it too long as you may miss out.

We had a very successful 'Friends' evening recently, with plenty of wine and delicious food (courtesy of Nicky Gray) consumed. We're already planning more such events so maybe you should consider joining our happy band of supporters?

As always, I'm more than happy to have casual visitors so if you still haven't made it up here to look around, then please make the time to do so. Log on to www.burngatestonecentre.co.uk for details of courses.

David Callaghan, Centre Manager

MOTHERS' UNION

We had a very encouraging meeting at Liz Parson's home on 26 June, when Marion Booth gave us helpful advice on setting up an MU branch.

We will begin with a bring and share lunch on Thursday 10 September at 12.30 pm so that parents/carers can collect their children from school. We hope lots of people will come. It will be at Jan Hancock's home. If you would like to come.

Judith, Priest in Charge

WHERE AM I IN PURBECK?

The things I do for this magazine! I may look happy enough in this photo (where am I by the way?) - but a quarter of an hour earlier I had a decidedly different expression on my face. To get to where I am sitting in this shot I had a reasonably long walk through some fields. There were quite a few sheep about so I had the dogs on leads as I went into the first.

At the same time, a farmer drove in with a trailer containing what I assumed were more sheep. I walked on for about 150 yards then for some reason I looked round, only to see that it wasn't sheep in the trailer but a large brown bull which was now trotting along the path in my direction. I increased my pace but next time I looked round the bull had stopped to let out a roar and then started to run towards me. As it appeared that he had 'locked on' to me, I released the dogs rather like flares shot from a Chinook helicopter in Helmand in the hope that three targets would confuse him. Just as I was mentally preparing myself for a visit to Poole A&E, he raced by, hardly giving me or the dogs a passing glance, stopping in the next field to roar once again.

I decided to go back rather than pushing my luck and I also wanted a few words with the farmer, as I thought a word of warning as he passed me might have been in order. He apologised for frightening me and assured me that the bull was really a pussycat. In his defence, I don't expect he thought that the creature would have run in my direction as the cows were at the opposite end of the field. So on that reassurance I retraced my steps, the bull meanwhile had raced down the hill to his women, and took the photograph you see.

Last month's photo was taken during the winter on the nature trail at Knoll beach (go to the top car park on the left). It's a good walk when it is wet because the track is not muddy and you end up at a bird hide overlooking the Little Sea.

Chris Meadows

PURBECK ARTISTS & STALLHOLDERS

Purbeck Artists & Stallholders are back at Worth Matravers Village Hall courtesy of the committee from 18 July to 27 August. We are a group who are keen to exhibit and sell local art & craft work, jams, jellies, chutneys and ice cream. We are having a Friday Home Produce sale with occasional demonstrations of crafts. Last year, we successfully raised £900 for the Village Hall funds. Please come and support us again.

Di Quinn

EAT UP YOUR GREENS

Dorset residents can buy an innovative new Green Cone food waste digester for a special offer price of just £15 (+£10 delivery) - while stocks last

Sitting in a sunny, well drained spot in the garden, the Green Cone is a natural alternative to throwing away food waste with the household rubbish. Pest-free and safe for people and pets, the Green Cone converts all cooked and uncooked food into a tiny, harmless and odour-free nutrient that seeps into the soil.

Councillor Martyn Colvey, Built Environment Spokesperson for Purbeck District Council, said: "A huge amount of our food waste ends up in landfill. Some waste, such as fruit and vegetable peelings can be composted at home, but a Green Cone takes cooked food as well, which keeps the flies away on these hot days and helps our carbon footprint. So, help the Earth and slim your bin!."

Go to www.dorsetforyou.com/fooddigesters to order a cone.

MEAT STARTS LIFE AS BABY ANIMAL

Well done, Eastfield Primary School in Leicestershire, I say. For those whom this piece of news has passed them by, here it is. The pupils of this school raise piglets to pork. They feed them, cuddle them and when the time comes make them into sausages. Then, they eat them. This is horrific, say some parents, this is reality, says the school. They are delicious, say the pupils. This practice is to continue. Hurrah!

The problem with constantly buying meat from the supermarket is that we have divorced the food from its production. Lamb is not just a chunk of meat or a chop; it is or has been a cute cuddly animal. Its mother has cropped the grass, been part of, and created, the environment we love to look at, drive through and walk over. The chicken we eat started life as a fluffy chick, the beef was a baby calf and the pork was a cute little pink piglet.

What we want to know is that what we are eating has had a good life. We want to know that its production has contributed to, rather than destroy the environment. I want to know that it is local. These are the criteria to which members of the Purbeck Products producers group sign up. If you buy your beef from a Purbeck Products producer, you can be sure of its welfare and environmentally friendly status.

So Hurrah for the schools that teach pupils where their food comes from, Hurrah for Purbeck Products that enables us to buy local food with confidence and Hurrah for the rules that enable supermarkets and butchers to know from where the meat they sell comes. Putlake Produce Markets: 8 Aug & 29 Aug with cookery demos on 8 Aug & 12 Sept.

Christopher Lees

NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL TRUST

Summer is a busy time for those working with visitors and it remains a busy time for our warden teams too. The definition of a weed is a plant in the wrong place, and unfortunately National Trust wardens and volunteers spend a lot of time dealing with these plants.

One plant that demands much time is ragwort. Although a nectar source for insects, it is, unfortunately, poisonous to horses and cattle; particularly when it dries off. For this reason, we are obliged to remove it from fields and open land before it goes to seed and becomes a danger to grazing animals. Removal of ragwort is a very time consuming and expensive business and is carried out by hand pulling or the use of an herbicide as a spot treatment.

In addition to ragwort, we also have to tackle non-native garden plants that fight for growing space in our countryside. Two such examples are the aquatic weeds parrots feathers and Australian swamp stonecrop, both of which are attempting to smother the pond on Corfe Common, with the latter now spreading around the shores of Little Sea at Studland. Elsewhere, at Studland, pirri-pirri burr is spreading across car parks and grassland, Japanese knotweed forms dense stands along riverbanks and wasteland, competing with Himalayan balsam for the same space and rhododendrons infest woods and heathland. Some of these battles are more urgent than others, some we can win given enough time, help and money; others we'll be fighting for many years to come.

Don't forget that if you have a question about an area of our work that you would like answered then do get in touch.

Mandy Jarvis, Learning & Volunteering Manager

QUIET MORNING AT STEEPLE

For anyone who wishes to join us, there will be a Quiet Morning at the delightful and historic church of Steeple, from 10am until 1pm on Thursday 6 August, led by Lesley Blythe. The theme for the morning is 'The Adventure of Prayer'. Mid-morning refreshments will be provided. There will be a freewill offering to offset expenses. Further particulars from Rev. John Bloomfield.

WOOL WORKSHOPS

Both of the following workshops run between 10am-12pm in Corfe Village Hall. Booking is advisable. Parents/carers to accompany. £2.50 per child, all materials included. Suitable for age six and over. Contact Beverly Evans.

FELTING WORKSHOP FOR KIDS - 12 AUGUST

Come and find out how felt is made! This will be a hands-on activity using wool, soap and lots of water, so wear suitable clothing! We will show you how to make felt balls to create a cute and friendly caterpillar or some juggling balls! NB we can make jolly good felt but we haven't a clue how to juggle!

YARN WORKSHOP FOR KIDS - 19 AUGUST

Come and join us for a morning of craft activities. You can learn to knit, make a woolly snake on our giant French Knitter, have a go at weaving or make woolly flowers.

Beverly Evans

NEWS FROM

LANGTON MATRAVERS

WORLD WAR ONE ROLL OF HONOUR

I have just completed my book on The History and Development of Langton Matravers and would love to include more than the three photos I have of the young men of Langton who gave their lives in the First World War. If anyone has such a photo of a member of the family or a friend whose name features on the Roll of Honour, I should be extremely grateful to be allowed to borrow it and take a copy. I promise to treat the original with great respect. Many thanks.

Reg Saville

LANGTON ALLOTMENTS CELEBRATION

Our wonderful wet summer weather has finally quenched the dry soil, our plots are brimming with produce and a lush green allotment site is flourishing for all to enjoy.

So, don't forget to join us for our official opening on Sunday, 16 August between 2-3.30pm. Come rain or shine, the official 'turning of the sod' ceremony will be at 2.30pm and refreshments and homemade cake will be shared with all of our guests.

Also, look out for a mention of Langton Allotments in the August edition of Dorset Magazine and in You Magazine (Sunday Mail supplement) on Sunday, 2 August. Our wonderful community project is a great achievement and people want to hear about it!

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday 16 August at Coles ground for a celebration.

Kelly Fenech

A HALCYON WEEK IN LANGTON

I understand that the two-tier rather than the three-tier system of schooling is to apply to the schools in our area This may mean the closure of one or more First Schools. For my part, I believe that the environment of an enlarged St George's is preferable to sending our children to a new school in Swanage but we have to convince the County Councillors that a St George's primary school is a practical proposition. I think we ought to see how the arguments against are stacking up and refute them.

Too small a site? Not if the wartime additions and the old farm shed were abandoned and the site imaginatively planned.

Dangerous footways? No longer an issue because a major footway widening scheme that has been years in the planning is to start this autumn.

No Car Park? At this present time the Parish Council is promoting a traffic management scheme and there are other options including an extended walking bus service.

If, however, St George's was to close, then its value as building land would be substantial and as the school belongs to the Church it would be understandable if it was disposed of for development. Many church foundation schools were built on donated land and the deeds of gift included the proviso that, in the event of closure of the school, the value of the land should revert to the donor. I wonder if the deeds of St George's contain such a condition. If so, then the beneficiaries of the donor under provisions of the The Reverter of Sites Act 1987 could be in for a windfall.

The School Field is another kettle of fish. The Field is owned by the County Council. Some of us, and none more so than Jim Bradford, have for a very long time fought to establish some sort of commitment or guarantee from planning authorities that the Field will remain a village open space in perpetuity. We haven't succeeded. The best we have is references to it in a number of strategic planning documents as an important open space. To lose the Field or to have even a part of it built on would be, for me, an unmitigated disaster for the village. County Councils change policies when the wind changes. Some years ago the County of the day was obsessed with slapping down double yellow line restrictions and the Parish Council was left in no doubt that Langton High Street would be high up the list and that the Council should get its finger out and provide a car park.

The Council acquired land in Coles Ground from the Bankes Estate for a car park but it was denied access. The action must have awakened a sleeping tiger because, shortly after, the Estates Dept of the County Council applied a Certificate of Alternative Development on the School Field. Our understanding was that, though this did not necessarily turn it into building land, it recognised its value to be in that category. Actually obtaining planning permission would result in the mother of all battles but the threat has hung over us like a Sword of Damocles ever since.

Perhaps somebody in the Estates Dept thought it would be a good idea to earmark the land for development if the School ceased to exist or perhaps it was just to make the land more valuable 'on the books' so that one day they could borrow against it. As long as the School remains then I think the Field is safe but now that there is a possibility that the school could close then its future comes into the equation.

The fight is on to keep St George's in Langton. Schooling is not just about premises. It's also about quality of life. Why else do so many people want to send their children here?

The battle to retain St George's may not succeed but if so then the battle to save the School Field has only just begun.

Nearly 40 years ago we faced the possibility of losing the Village Hall. Enough people came forward to start a fund to buy the Hall for the village. I am confident that the Parish Council would do everything it could to keep our Village Green. It would involve putting up our council tax but it would be worth every penny.

Norman Priddle

LANGTON MATRAVERS PC

The following has been extracted from the June Minutes of the LMPC. The full account can be viewed at www.langtonmatravers-pc.org/minuteswithagenda.html

VILLAGE LIGHTS

Sue Spilling asked if the PC would be interested in taking part in the DCC initiative to turn out the lights in rural villages at midnight and turn them on again at 6:30am. She said that studies had shown that crime dropped as did the speed of cars when the lights are switched off.

PROPOSED CAR PARK

Cllr Lovell was in favour of one at Putlake Farm with the addition of a museum. Mr M Sturgess of PDC is drawing up a plan. He added that he had asked for a suitable site for a car park and a museum, because they were two things still left undone in the Parish Plan. The Chairman pointed out that they were not linked together in the Parish Plan.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING - STEPPES

Cllr Kirby complained that he had said that Mr Cronk had claimed to be in discussion with the Council and PDC regarding a play area for older children, but that the Minutes and the Clerk's letter to Mr Sturgess had not specified that the play area was for older children. The Chairman said that Mr Cronk had said at the public meeting that the new development must start very soon, but there had been no action since. Cllr Lovell said that there had been no planning application as yet.

ROAD CROSSING

The PC supported a request from St George's First School for a road crossing between the school and the playing fields. Cllr P Bradford said that the pupils at St George's had suggested that a bench and a bigger litter bin for the playing fields be placed outside the Play Area, near to the entrance into the playing fields. He said that the money to pay for them would come from the Play Project Fund. This was agreed in principal.

LMPC RESOLUTION JULY '09

The Parish Council fully supports the view of the Governors of St George's First School that its continued existence is vital to the village. The Council believes very strongly that St George's lies, both literally and metaphorically, at the heart of the village. It is a very good, popular and successful school with a dedicated staff and provides a marvellous focus for the parishioners of all ages from both Langton and surrounding parishes to get together in support of the children.

The Council also supports the Governors view that it is possible to provide a good primary school on the present site and would be fully supportive of road calming measures to ensure the safety of the children.

LMPC PLANNING APPLICATIONS JULY '09

o Mrs E Tweddle. 'Cameric', Acton; erect single storey rear extension and side porch with bay window on front elevation - The Parish Council has no objection.

o Lovell Quarries Ltd; retention of the Lovell Quarries Service Area, Acton, to sort, store and process Purbeck Limestone - The Parish Council has no objection.

o Lewis Quarries; retention of the Lewis Quarries Service Area, Acton, and the erection of a shed to enclose a stone cutting saw - The Parish Council has no objection.

The next Parish Council Meeting is on Thursday, 13 August, at 7pm in LM Village Hall.

NEWS FROM

WORTH MATRAVERS

THANKS

A big thank you to all who worked so hard, donated and came to the cream teas in Worth. Special thanks to Worth Teashop for donating the delicious scones. We raised the splendid sum of £710 for Local Girl Guides and Under Tree Schools in Sudan.

Liz Hoad

CARIBBEAN EVENING

Click here for more pics

A wonderful evening was had by all who attended this event on the 11 July in Worth Village Hall. It was painstakingly organised by Debbie Handy, and the hall energetically arranged and decorated by Debbie and Peter who welcomed us with a variety of authentic Caribbean beverages in the marquee whilst we walked through to the main hall to be entertained by a genuine Samba Band.

The band was truly excellent, and had us all up and dancing before the evening was done. The food, traditional Caribbean fare, was expertly prepared for us by Karla (karlacherry@hotmail.com), what a special job she does of that, whilst also entering into the fun of the occasion.

Villagers from Worth and Langton dressed for the event - from flowery St Lucia shirts and dresses to Jack Sparrow pirate outfits - complementing the background created by Debbie - it was difficult to know whether to sway our hips to the music or jump aboard a clipper bound for a dead man's chest - the weather was more like a wild night at sea, but apparently we are going to have a really hot summer.

Thank you to all those who helped to clear up at the end - that's so much appreciated and so important, even at the end of such a superb experience. Thanks again to Debbie and Peter for creating such a special occasion; I think they even topped the very successful Moroccan evening, and we generated just over £250 for UNICEF which was Debbie's chosen charity, so wasn't that a great result? We are now looking for some creative volunteers to organise our next event, probably this autumn - if you have any ideas or want to have a go, please get in touch with one of the Committee. For pictures of this fabulous event please have a look at The Dubber website.

Jack Ross

WORTH MATRAVERS PARISH COUNCIL

Representing the villages of Worth Matravers and Harmans Cross

Pam Bayley has now retired as the Footpaths Officer after 15 years. We are very grateful to Pam for all the work she has put in over all these years, in looking after the footpaths and chasing up the various agencies responsible for their upkeep. She is succeeded by Sandra Brown, a new resident to WM, but who knows the area well and is a keen runner and walker.

Inspector Chris Weeks visited me personally, to convey his thanks to all WM residents, who had helped the Police to prevent the planned rave at Winspit, in June, from taking place.

Dorset Community action requested that we complete an 18 page Parish Plan Action Feedback Form. This has been done and I am pleased to report that all but two of the actions have been set in motion. Several have been completed and others are ongoing or awaiting action from PDC, DCC or others. DCA will collate the forms from all the Parish Plans so common difficulties can be investigated.

The Parish Council is not satisfied with the way Begbie Field is being maintained by the present contractor and are looking to terminate their contract. I have had a meeting with the manager of Dorset Works and that day they had made a special effort cutting the grass, this time cutting right to the fences. They had to come back to cut round the gates properly. We have agreed they will continue with the cutting this year and we will closely monitor the quality of cutting.

On the same day I met with the tree officer from PDC, for advice on managing the trees in Begbie Field, in particular the sycamore that overhangs the road. The trees have been neglected for many years, having been originally planted by Dorset Wildlife Trust, and will need considerable remedial work.

Quotes are being sought for replacing the large swings in West Burton Field sometime in the near future, subject to obtaining grant funding.

We have received notice that the landlords of HX car park wish to raise the rent by 60%. The car park has never been self-financing, at the end of the last financial year there was a shortfall of some £300. With increased rent and rates this year, we question how much longer we can continue to run the car park. Negotiations on the rent are taking place. The donation box was stolen in May, the thieves knocking down the stone pillar with a sledge hammer. It has been difficult to source a replacement box and the total cost will be in the region of £200. We estimate there was only £10 to £15 in the box. In the meantime we have been losing donations. The undergrounding of the electricity cables at WM are due to be completed shortly. BT have now removed the pole they erected near London Row, WM, and have undergrounded the cable. One wonders why they couldn't have done this in the first place. The local rural police have placed no waiting cones on the double yellow lines by the Square and Compass, to stop parked cars blocking the road and potentially preventing access for emergency vehicles. The beer kegs placed there last year were very effective. Unfortunately some mindless morons think it is fun to move the cones to other places. What is the solution?

DCC have been contacted about the overgrown verges around the parish. We are awaiting action.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS THIS MONTH

o Cressey, WM. Insert Dormer in east roof elevation - The Parish Council had no objection.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 4 August at 7-30pm. Because HX Village Hall is not available, we will meet upstairs in WM Village Hall. Joyce Meates, Chairman

NEWS FROM

KINGSTON

KINGSTON NEWS

If you are in any RNLI shop you should look out for a copy of Lifeboat Heroes. It is written by our own Edward Wake-Walker. It has been very well reviewed. However, it does come with a warning: You may need a box of tissues as you read the moving and heart warming accounts of those who have selflessly put their lives on the line to save others. It is beautifully written with lots of photographs.

It is good to see the painters at work on the Scott Arms. It has lost its tired look and you are encouraged to go in. This is good news.

You will soon be tired of hearing about the Fête on Saturday, 15 August, but do come along and bring all your friends and relations. Rain cannot strike twice, or can it? No, definitely not.

George Pitman

ST JAMES CHURCH FÊTE

A final call! Anyone who can help in any way; setting up on Friday, helping at the fete and on the stalls, either ring Peter Buckle on or Sue Ireland or turn up on the day and offer your services to them. We still need produce, books, good quality clothes, cakes, toys and tombola prizes. You can bring them on the day or phone Sue in advance and she will pick anything up.

Peter Buckle

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN

Relentless rain on the night of the July concert at St James Church had the organisers fearing that no-one would come. In the event, intrepid musicians and music~lovers turned out in force and made the occasion a thoroughly rewarding one.

In concert were two local ensembles, Purbeck Brass and Pieces of Eight, a close harmony group from the Dorset Police Male Voice Choir, appearing together for the first time. Alternating throughout the evening, the two groups proved to be a winning combination.

From Purbeck Brass, the audience got not only an invigorating taste of traditional brass band music with marches, hymns and songs culminating in some rousing singalongs but a bit of the history of the movement as well from group leader Colin Bright.

From Pieces of Eight, currently only six-strong but no less mellifluous for all that, came a rich mix of songs and spirituals interspersed with a few light-hearted poems delivered with gentle humour by the group's front man Spencer Challenger.

Proceeds were shared between Julia's House, the Dorset children's hospice favoured by Pieces of Eight, and Kingston church itself, now in greater need of funds than ever following the recent discovery of serious damage to the stone and iron work of the rose window.

The last concert of the season at St James on Saturday, 29 August, will introduce the Zonda Wind Quintet, an exciting young ensemble comprising recent graduates of the Royal Academy of Music and Guildhall School of Music playing music by Haydn, Mozart, Ibert, Patterson and Gershwin. There is a Dorset connection. The group's bassoonist Andrew Huntriss, who has also performed with the Bournemouth Symphony, is the son of cellist Elaine Huntriss, who Kingston concert-goers may have heard performing in the church with the Clayesmore School back in April.

Robin Stringer

KINGSTON CALENDAR

The Kingston Calendar in aid of St James Church will be on sale at Kingston Village Fête on 15 August. The price will be £4.99. Advance orders can be accepted: Call Greta Hardy. If this is a successful venture a calendar for 2011 will be considered, the theme to be Village Life. So, bring your camera to all of the local activities between now and next June, and you may well feature in the 2011 edition.

Greta Hardy

NEWS FROM

HARMANS CROSS

FIELD DAY NEWS

Following last year's successful Fête, and because it was necessary to empty our shed prior to moving it, all remaining books and bric-a-brac from have gone to good homes. We now, urgently, need to replace these items for our 2009 Fête, which takes place on August Bank Holiday Monday. If you can help us in any way, please telephone the following numbers: To arrange collection of books - ring Nigel and Jo or bric-a-brac - ring Martin. If you can bake a cake or help with catering on the day, ring Mary.

We also need men on the Saturday morning to help with putting things up, and on the Monday evening with taking things down. If you can help, phone David.

RAFFLE AND TOMBOLA

Alan Porter who has organised this stall for many years has given it up, and Jill and I have taken it on this year. It has demonstrated to us just how much time and effort he put into the event every year, in the raising of so much money.

At the moment we are very short of tombola prizes, & if anyone can help with an unwanted gift, bottle, or toiletries etc, it will be greatly appreciated. Please phone us.

GARDENERS AND ALLOTMENTEERS

Please contact Yvonne and Roger Free if you can spare any plants, vegetables or fruit for the Plant Stall. We will gladly collect - thank you!

TYNEHAM COMES TO HARMANS CROSS

Nearly fifty participants crowded into the Old Village Hall and were treated to a fascinating trip down memory lane, during Lynda Price's presentation in June.

Such was the interest in the evening's talk that visitors came from as far afield as Bournemouth, Bere Regis, Poole, Parkstone and nearer to 'home' from Swanage, Wareham and Corfe Castle. One resident of Tyneham Village prior to the requisition by the MOD, Peter Wellman, was in an old 1927 photo with his four sisters and a brother! His comments - and those of Mrs MacGregor added a poignant flavour to the discussions.

Whilst the purpose of the evening was to raise awareness of this special place and the dedicated work of the restoration team, the evening raised close to £250 for The New Village Hall Fund. A cheque for £75 was also donated to the Tyneham Team from the Village Hall Management.

Alan Stephenson

A PICTURE FROM ROGER FREE!

DANCE GROUP DONATE TO VH

Glen and Betty Bower who have run an active dance group at Harmans Cross for over 10 years, have made another valuable contribution to the New Village Hall funds. At a special meeting in June, Glen and Betty on behalf of the group, handed a cheque for £1025 to treasurer David Hollister. "This is a fantastic donation as the group only meet between October to May and then on Saturdays and Wednesdays, once a month." David said.

Over the past years from 1999 to 2006 proceeds from the dances were donated to the local Macmillan Cancer Relief Funds, and since then to the HX New Village Hall.

"The hall will accommodate 40 dancers, but during the year numbers have reduced for various reasons." Said Glen. Anyone interested in joining should contact Glen.

Alan Stephenson

HARMANS CROSS ~ THE VILLAGE CLUB

The Cream Tea on the 25 June was enjoyed by 50 members and friends. Everyone was in agreement that Pine Lodge was an excellent choice with lovely home made scones and no shortage of jam and cream.

Our beach party on the 9 July was blessed with good weather and attended by 30 members who bought their own picnics. Afterwards a cricket match was played on the beach and won by the men (naturally!). There was also volleyball and boules for all to enjoy. Subject to weather conditions, this event will be run again next year. Thanks to Mary who provided the ice creams for all and the use of the beach hut.

Harmans Cross Field Day on August Bank Holiday Monday is rapidly approaching again. Anyone who could help with the refreshments please contact Eileen, or Mary. Any help would be much appreciated.

Next meeting in the village hall is on 24 September when Wendy Damen will give a talk based on 'Vitality for Life' which includes information on acupuncture and alternative medicine. All welcome; members free; visitors £2. Tea, coffee and biscuits as usual.

Jane Rogers

HARMANS CROSS RESIDENTS' CLUB

Club Nights have been well attended in recent weeks, and we have now been able to add two further Friday evenings on 23 & 30 October when the hall was previously unavailable. Members should add these to the dates listed on the reverse of their membership cards and mark their calendars accordingly! Please also note that our next Quiz Night has had to be rearranged from 25 September to Friday 9 October - watch The Dubber for more details.

The next few Club Nights at the village hall (all Fridays from 7.30pm to 10.30pm) are: 31 July, 14, 21 & 28 August and 4, 18 & 25 September. Any prospective members among our local residents are welcome to drop in and be signed in as guests. Nigel Edmonds, Chairman

SURF'S UP

The growth of ebay is one of the phenomenons of the internet age. Ebay is an on-line auction house, where anyone can list items for sale and anyone can view them and bid to buy if they want to. If have time on your hands, hours can be lost searching for that illusive possession you have always wanted. A word of caution though, it can become addictive and bidding after a late night trip to the pub, could leave you waking up with a obligation to buy something very strange!

To actually buy or sell, you have to register which is not very difficult and as with most things, there are some simple dos and don'ts that you should understand, to make your Ebay experience a pain free one.

To log on, go to www.ebay.co.uk, or come along to the Harmans Cross coffee mornings or regular computer club session run in the hall. Ring Shaun for details.

LATE END TO SKITTLES CONTEST

Our third annual Summer Skittles and Fish & Chips evening, organised by Jo and Nigel Edmonds, attracted 40 people to the village hall on 21 July and was still going strong well after 11pm. Tickets always have to be limited in number for this event and this year sold out before the end of May. Despite taking place on a cool, wet evening, the hall was very warm inside, the competitive spirit also reaching a high temperature. Both as a social occasion and as a fund-raiser for the new village hall, it was very successful occasion with over £250 being raised from a combination of ticket sales, raffle and profits from a very busy night at the Residents' Club licensed bar.

After the first round of drinks, the fish and chips meals arrived after a slight delay as the road to Swanage was blocked. The Ladies' and the Men's skittles teams shared the honours with one game each. Prizes for high scores went to Midge Bullock (after a play-off with Mary Fisher) and to Nigel Edmonds. The final game, 'Killer', at one time threatened to go on until midnight and had to be shortened. At the end, Peggie Lees and Nigel shared an honourable draw.

Thanks to The Parade Fish Restaurant in Swanage for the excellent cod and chips, as always, and to the support from the Village Club and local residents.

Nigel Edmonds, Village Hall Management Committee

VILLAGE HALL PLAYGROUND

Designs from seven companies for the new play area were on show at Harmans Cross Village Hall on 18 July. Adults were asked to give their views at the hall's Coffee Morning. Children, young people and parents made their comments in the afternoon, when they also played games on the field organised by Purbeck Sport Centre or had a go at crafts or on music decks.

Participants were asked to indicate their favourite design. The one by play company 'Lappset' was the clear winner with 66% of the votes, followed by 'Playdale' with 20%. Villagers thought 'Lappset' offered more equipment for the money, much of which was made of long-lasting Scandinavian pine.

Contributors were also asked to vote for any piece of equipment they especially liked even if it was not in their favourite design. Gym equipment in the design by 'Record RSS' received most votes. The toddler swing in the 'Playdale' design and the goal end in 'Playground Supplies' design were both popular. These items did not feature in the 'Lappset' design but their multi-play unit did attract favourable comment. The 'Wicksteed' adventure trail was seen as the most exciting.

Other comments included: (i) parents wanted ordinary toddlers' swings included, (ii) older adults would like two or three pieces of outdoor gym equipment included, which they could use as well; these would be good for their fitness and attract a mixture of age groups to the field, (iii) the safety surface needs to be hard wearing, and (iv) not to forget the goals posts and all-weather track; these can't be paid for from the grant which has been agreed, and additional funding needs to be found in consultation with Dorset Community Action (DCA).

Discussions will now take place with 'Lappset' and firms producing play equipment of this style to see if we can negotiate a revised design which includes the extra or alternative equipment picked out by you. We will then bring this back for final approval. If you could not come to the consultation, but still wish to see or comment on the designs; please contact me

Nigel Edmonds, Village Hall Management Committee

NEWS FROM NOWHERE

A recent questionnaire into what most concerned members of the public revealed that personal security and safety from attack were top of the list. The vast majority of those who replied said they wanted a stronger police presence and more reliable transport to avoid having to walk down deserted streets in the evening.

You might feel that this is quite understandable as old people often feel at risk when they pass groups of teenagers collected round the bus stop shouting at their friends. However, the results of this particular questionnaire came not from old people but 14-18 year-olds in Upton. Of course, one should not be surprised, for it is well known that the young are much more likely to be attacked than the old when they are out and about; many become part of the gang culture because it is safer to go about in a gang than to be on one's own. Maybe the old should follow their example and start lurking in sinister groups round the shelter outside the Mowlem, like the gangs of Giles grannies in the Monty Python show who beat up passersby with their duck handled umbrellas.

I do remember being nearly trampled to death by a wave of old ladies desperate to get on a bus in London. So when you next pass a group of kids clustered on a street corner, remember they are probably much more concerned with preserving their safety than attacking yours.

I don't suppose Hayleigh Hibbs from Worth has any such worries for she recently won the Kumite event for the 13-15 year-olds in the UK National Karate championships. Kumite is the art of attack. I recently saw her give a very polished demonstration of her skills and made a mental note to keep a respectful distance should I meet her near the Mowlem shelter or indeed anywhere else. Happily, most people find having other people or animals around them is a comfort and not a threat.

Anyway, they say you are never more than three yards from a rat and when I first came down from London at weekends there were a few that seemed to live in the house. I let them be, though it was annoying to be woken up when they rushed about in the ceiling spaces. However such liberal tolerance soon fades when you find they have gnawed through the curtains and eaten practically the whole of the inside of a new loaf of bread. So I stopped up the holes in the skirting boards and put down poison.

The skirting board exercise was not effective and I eventually learnt why, when I caught a rat abseiling down from a hole in the ceiling. One does not expect SAS type rodents to invade from above, but the poison worked and the rats took their inevitable revenge by making the house nearly uninhabitable, until the smell of their rotting corpses had died away. Every now and again a new colony tries to establish itself, for rats are part of the country scene, as are so many of the other close encounters in this life.

In Swanage, in August one is never very far from a seriously substantial person blocking the entire width of the pavement eating a packet of chips. In Kingston, one is probably nearer than one realises to an important financier or media tycoon who has come down incognito to suss out their next massive weekend mansion. If you are in a hurry in the Supermarket, you inevitably find yourself behind someone who has a price query which can only be settled by the supervisor, or the customer who waits until everything has been packed before finding that their purse is not where they think it is. At the bank, the person in front inevitably produces a fortune in small change which has to be meticulously counted and checked and when you go out for a meal at Christmas you end up at a table far too close to a group of salesmen and their partners swapping jokes to deafening screams of laughter. I could go on but I hope I have said enough to convince you that these proximities are not the result of blind chance, but are organised by some higher power with an overdeveloped sense of humour... Of course, I am not above organising a few proximities of my own, which is why, in Worth, I am never very far away from a nice bottle of wine...

Tony Viney

THE ROUND

Unfortunately, we are unable to publish remembrance poems or birthday/anniversary notices in this section (except in extraordinary circumstances) due to limited space.

WILLIAM (BILL) FARR

We are sure Bill would have been pleased to see so many friends, past and present at his service on 20 July at Langton Church. It was a lovely service at which even the dogs were welcome. Bill was a very talented and clever person and had so many different interests.

His love of beach combing and then collecting coins from around the street (the proceeds were sent to charity) kept him in contact with people from all walks of life. He was a great character and we will miss him but remember all the good times we had together. Bunny, Doreen & Judy

AUDREY DUFFY

Sadly, we have to report the death of Audrey Duffy. We have not seen her in Kingston for some time. Since she had a stroke, she has been either in hospital or being looked after by her sister in Swanage.

She was born in Studland into the Clark family, a family of three brothers and nine sisters. She had a happy childhood roaming the countryside with her siblings. She was very interested in shoes and worked in shoe shops in Bournemouth and Swanage. While in Melton Mowbray for a holiday with her elder sister, she met Gus and stayed on working for her sister who ran a hotel, so she could get to know him better.

They came together to Purbeck, and Gus got a job working on the Estate as a bricklayer, but also working with stone. They raised their two boys, Sean and James in Kingston where they lived for thirty-eight years. She always took part in village life and contributed to the general community. For years she worked hard for the Church Fete.

I shall miss the flowers which she used to put in the church porch, so beautifully arranged. We shall all miss her and we offer our sympathy to her sons, grandchildren and family. George Pitman

HAVE YOUR SAY

DEAR DUBBER

Through The Dubber, I would like to say a big thank you to those who sponsored me to run the 'Race For Life' for Cancer Research. I managed to run the majority of the 5k race in 36 minutes and raised over £200 in memory of my Dad, Trevor Seager, who died in May 2008. It's not too late to sponsor me! Please leave any money, your name and postcode with Anne in Langton Post Office. SALLY SEAGER

DEAR DUBBER

I see the 'Plastic Police People' have finally arrived blotting the countryside with their garish fluorescent warning notice on the gate above Langton House 'MOTORISTS MUST BEWARE OF THIEVES'.

Soon no doubt we will have the rest of the family of similar, but different colour, garish Police notices which all blame victims for various street crimes. So much for safer Purbeck. I thought the idea was that real police used to catch thieves and we the community helped them by recording and reporting any suspicious activity. Silly me! ROGER KHANNA

DEAR DUBBER

Congratulations on the 'New Look' Dubber! A bright and cheerful front cover and packed with lively contributions, information and photos, it is once again a pleasure to read.

Thanks should go to all involved in its production, including the deliverers! MAUREEN HONEY

DEAR DUBBER

Jill at the bookshop in Station Road has sold all the first batch of the book commemorating sixty years of the Harmans Cross Village Hall. But, fear not, a fresh supply is now on the bookshop shelves.

However, only one hundred copies have been printed - so get your limited edition copy soon. All profits go to the New Village Hall. ROGER FREE

Letters should be emailed to ed@thedubber.co.uk or go by post to Terry Whicker (contact details on page 3), or by hand to Langton Church /PO.

THE DUBBER RECIPE

RACHEL'S SCONES

This recipe was learned as a child from mother and has been used for the Langton Fête and the Old Knitson Farmhouse teas for many years. Rachel Helfer

11 oz flour (normally 8 oz white & 3 oz brown

or mix as you wish)

3 teasp baking powder

1 teasp baking soda

1 teasp salt

1oz white sugar

1 oz butter

1/2 egg made up to 7 oz with water

Sieve flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in sugar. Rub in butter. Make a well in the middle of the mixture and add liquid. Mix with a fork. Shape the dough with hands and a little flour. Place in a greased 8 inch sponge tin. Score into 6 or 8. Bake in a hot oven for 15 - 20 minutes.

If you have a Purbeck Produce or simply a Purbeck recipe that you'd like to share, please send it to ed@thedubber.co.uk

WHAT'S ON

AUGUST 2009

1 10am-12 Coffee Morning in aid of Cancer Research

Bower Cottage, Coombe, Langton

2 AM Traidcraft - selling fairly traded goods St George's Church

2 2-5pm Cream Teas & Music St George's Ch

3 7.30pm St George's Action

Group Meeting LM Scout Hut

4 7pm WMPC Meeting WMVH

6 10-1pm Quiet Morning at

Steeple Church Steeple Church

7 7pm Model Railway Group HXVH

7 7pm 'til late Three Parish Hoedown Abbascombe Barn, Worth

8 10-2pm Purbeck Produce Market & Cookery Demo Putlake Farm

8 2pm Corfe Castle British

Legion Summer Fête CC British

Legion

9 2-5pm Cream Teas & Music St George's Ch

9- 16 Various Times Swanage Lifeboat Week

www.swanagelifeboat.org.uk for details Various venues

12 10-12pm Felting Workshop Corfe Village Hall

13 7pm LMPC Meeting LMVH

14 7.30-10.30pm HX Residents' Club HXVH

15 8-9am Men's Breakfast The Rectory

15 2-5pm St James Church Fête Kingston Ch

16 2-5pm Cream Teas & Music St George's Ch

16 2-3.30pm Allotments Opening Celebration Coles Ground

19 10-12pm Yarn Workshop Corfe Village Hall

21 7.30-10.30pm HX Residents' Club HXVH

23 2-5pm Cream Teas & Music St George's Ch

28 7.30-10.30pm HX Residents' Club HXVH

28-31 10-5pm Meet the Watchkeepers St Alban's Head Watch Station

29 10-2pm Purbeck Produce Market Putlake Farm

29 5pm Worth BBQ on

the Green The Green, Worth

29 7-30pm Summer Concert

(see adjacent column) Kingston Church

31 9am HX Gymkhana HX

31 Noon HX Field Day HX